Postal Tubes 

Postal tubes are cylindrical cardboard tubes used for mailing items that cannot fit in an envelope. They can be used for a variety of items, such as posters, architectural drawings and other long items such as golf clubs.

The tube is sealed at one end and the item is inserted into the open end. The open end is then secured with a white end cap. Both ends should be sealed with adhesive tape or a postal tube band to keep the end caps in place. Once you apply your postal and delivery information, you’re ready to ship your products!

Postal tubes from Macfarlane Packaging work by providing a protective, cylindrical container for shipping and storing rolled items such as posters, artwork, blueprints and documents. Made from durable cardboard, these tubes prevent bending, creasing or damage during transit. To use them, items are rolled up and inserted into the tube, which is then sealed with plastic end caps. The strong construction of the tube and secure end caps ensure that the contents remain intact and protected throughout shipping and handling.

Yes, postal tubes, especially those made of cardboard or paper, are typically recyclable. Recycling practices may vary depending on your location and the recycling facilities available, but here are some general guidelines for recycling postal tubes:

• Remove Labels and Tape: Before recycling, make sure to remove any labels, stickers or adhesive tape from the postal tube. These materials can interfere with the recycling process.
• Check Recycling Guidelines: Contact your recycling service provider or visit their website to check if they accept cardboard or paper tubes. Guidelines can vary by provider, so it’s essential to know what is accepted.
• Flatten or Disassemble: Some recycling service providers prefer that you flatten or disassemble the tubes before recycling. This helps save space in recycling bins and makes transportation more efficient.
• Separate from Other Materials: When placing the tubes in your recycling bin, keep them separate from other materials like plastics or glass. Proper sorting ensures that the recycling process is more effective. You should also ensure to remove any plastic end caps from the postal tubes.
• Clean and Dry: Make sure the tubes are clean and dry before recycling. Wet or soiled cardboard may not be accepted.

It’s essential to follow the recycling guidelines provided by your service provider to ensure that the tubes are recycled properly. By recycling postal tubes, you can help reduce waste and promote environmentally friendly practices.

To determine the size of the postal tube you need, you should consider the dimensions of the item you want to ship or transport. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right size:

Measure Your Item:

• Measure the length of the item you want to put in the tube. This is the most critical measurement.
• Measure the diameter or width of the item if it’s wider than a standard postal tube.

Add Extra Space:

• Add a few inches (or centimeters) to the length measurement to accommodate the end caps and provide some buffer space.

Find a Tube Size:

• Look for postal tubes that have a length slightly longer than your item’s length and a diameter or width that can accommodate your item’s width if necessary.

Consider Standard Sizes:

• Many postal tubes come in standard sizes like A0, A1, A2, etc., which correspond to paper sizes. You can choose a standard size that closely matches your item’s dimensions.

Custom Tubes:

• If your item doesn’t fit into standard sizes, you can consider ordering custom-made postal tubes with precise dimensions to match your needs.

Remember that it’s better to choose a slightly larger postal tube than one that’s too small to ensure your item fits comfortably and is adequately protected during transit. Additionally, consider the fragility of the item and whether it needs extra padding or protection within the tube.

Here are some guidelines for choosing the right size postal tube for your needs:

• For small items such as papers or prints, use a 38mm diameter postal tube.
• For medium items such as paintings or posters, use a 50mm wide postal tube.
• For large items such as rugs, use a 76mm diameter postal tube.
• For extra large items, you can opt for our 152mm wide postal tube.

Macfarlane Packaging can produce bespoke postal tubes tailored to meet your unique shipping and storage requirements. Our top-quality cardboard postal tubes offer versatility and protection for your valuable items.

With customisable options, you can adjust the length, width, tube colour, add outer printing and even choose the colour of the end caps to suit your branding needs. This ensures a professional and tailored presentation for your shipments. Whether you’re shipping posters, plans or important documents, our postal tubes provide a secure and eco-friendly solution. Trust Macfarlane Packaging to deliver the perfect custom postal tubes for your business, safeguarding your items in style.